Full House unveils Indiana casino hotel American Place proposal

Full House Resorts has unveiled details and first renderings of “American Place,” its proposed gaming and entertainment destination for Terre Haute, Indiana. The company has submitted a proposal to the Indiana Gaming Commission for the development and operation of the casino hotel, announced Full House last Thursday.

The proposal contemplates a $250 million project to be developed on 32 acres of land that the company currently has under contract. “The site is highly visible from Interstate 70 and convenient to the I-70/SR 46 interchange,” said Full House in a press release.

To be developed approximately one hour west of Indianapolis, the property would count with a hotel elevated above an interior greenscape, in a shape resembling a “happy smile.” Most guest rooms would be located on upper levels, enjoying extended views.

Amenities within the hotel would include a pool deck and restaurant, atop the building, overlooking the Wabash Valley. Along the neighboring freeway, Full House has plans to build a large greenhouse, “offering a lush interior environment.” Two restaurants offering “outdoor” dining, even in winter, would be located within the greenhouse.

Full House Resorts would locate a world-class casino between the hotel and the greenhouse, with an offering of approximately 1,000 slot machines, 50 table games, and a state-of-the-art sportsbook. Atop the casino, the company has plans for a solar energy farm, which would provide sustainable energy for a portion of the complex’s electrical needs.

“After several years of studying Terre Haute and nearby communities, we believe we have designed a unique destination that will make Indiana residents proud,” said Daniel R. Lee, President and CEO of Full House Resorts. “American Place was designed to be a world-class entertainment facility, one that will bring new jobs and revenues.”

Lee notes that the company has been licensed “in good standing in Indiana for many years,” a state in which Full House already owns and operates the Rising Star Casino Resort and Golf Course in Rising Sun, which opened in 1996.

“This project would allow us to leverage our experience and database in Indiana, with cross-marketing opportunities with Rising Star,” described the CEO. “It will also provide career advancement opportunities within Indiana for our Rising Sun team members, while allowing us to seed the new Terre Haute team with experienced Indiana gaming personnel.”

Full House’s proposal was issued in response to an application process launched by the IGC on June 24, as it unanimously declined to renew the license to previous holder Lucky Luck. The new casino project in Vigo County, Indiana, saw yesterday its deadline for applications.

However, Full House is not the only company interested in pursuing the casino development opportunity in Terre Haute. By Wednesday, a total of four operators submitted their own applications to state commissioners.

In addition to Full House, Churchill Downs, Hard Rock, and Premier Gaming Group also submitted their own proposal. The IGC is set to examine the applications and later determine a date for choosing an applicant, most likely by the end of the year.